Can You Drown Head Lice in Olive Oil?

One of the most common remedies for head lice is to drown them in olive oil. You have to apply it to the hair for at least eight hours to kill the lice. Fortunately, olive oil kills live lice but not their eggs. The trick is to keep repeating this treatment until you are completely lice-free. Another method is to use salt water. This method is not effective against adult lice, but it may kill the nits. It is important to note that table salt does not work, but kosher or sea salt will.

Lices can survive at temperatures between 86 and 98AdeG. Salt does not kill lice, and it can also burn the eyes of children. Fortunately, however, heat can kill adult lice and their eggs. If you can’t get your hands on hot water, you can soak your head in hot water, and dry it afterward. If this method does not work, you can use dish soap, which contains surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water.

While lice can survive for eight hours underwater, they will die once they are separated from their source of food. If you do want to use a medicated product, one of the most popular options is KP24. Cetaphil is another popular option. It is a foam that is medicated. However, be sure to follow the instructions on the package. The product you choose must be applied to your head thoroughly.